For Communities, Parents and Schools
Why Does NIDA Study Addiction in Teens?
The actor Brandon Thomas Lee recently sat down with NIDA’s Director, Dr. Nora Volkow, for a virtual conversation about addiction, recovery, mental health, and how COVID-19 affects it all. One of Brandon’s questions was, “NIDA does a lot of research focused on teenage/young adult drug use in particular—why is that?” Watch Dr. Volkow’s answer: The teen … Read more
What Are the Signs of Having a Problem With Drugs?
Addiction can happen at any age, but it usually starts when a person is young. It’s the result of changes in the brain that can come from drug use. Addiction affects how people think and what they do. But what exactly are the signs? First, it’s important to know that there is no “type” of person … Read more
“16 and Recovering”: Where Are They Now? Messages of Hope For Those Looking To Begin Their Own Recovery Journey
If you or someone you know has a problem with drugs, hearing about another person’s path toward recovery can help them see that treatment works and can encourage them to seek help. While the recovery journey may be challenging, it is possible. Through treatment, people with drug addiction can recover and continue to lead healthy … Read more
Start A Conversation: 10 Questions Teens Ask About Drugs and Health
Thousands of teens asked questions about drugs and health. Learn the answers to 10 popular questions.
How Passion Builds Drug Prevention Communities & Strengthens Families
What could make someone leave their job of over 20 years? More money somewhere else? Relocating to a place with beautiful weather? For Norma Norris, the answer was simple: passion. She felt a calling to address the problem of drug use within her community. While having lunch with Norma she explained to me how she … Read more
Little Theaters Reimagined as Public Service Providers
Live performances across the United States, have taken a huge hit in the past two years. While government grants aided some little theater groups, recovery has largely taken a long intermission. The little theater movement of the early 20th Century was a way to break away from constraints to accommodate freedom of expression previously unknown. … Read more
Reality Tour anti-drug program to mark 15 years in Westmoreland County (TribLive.com)
By Megan Tomasic, TribLive.com (Online Source) Officials across Westmoreland County are gearing up to celebrate 15 years of an anti-drug project that works to educate parents and children on the dangers of drug abuse. Reality Tour, which was founded by Butler County resident Norma Norris in 2003, has been active in Westmoreland County since 2007 … Read more
How Substance Abuse Can Lead to Mental Illness: The Importance of Family Support
Guest Author: Stanley Clark Stanley Clark is a community development volunteer and writer. He had worked on several commercials, events, and campaigns before writing full-time in the area of natural health and wellness. Research suggests that many individuals diagnosed with mental disorders also have substance abuse issues. Furthermore, surveys indicate that half of the individuals … Read more
A Guide to Mental Health & Substance Abuse Among Teens
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports it is common for individuals with substance abuse problems to also have a mental health disorder. Mental health disorders and substance abuse share similar symptoms. Commonly shared symptoms include: decline in work/school performance, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, moodiness, dramatic weight loss or weight gain, loss … Read more
Alcohol Use Disorder: Prevention Begins at Home
Underage Drinking May Lead to Alcohol Use Disorder More and more teens are developing Alcohol Use Disorder. Do you remember what it was like to be a teenager? Peer pressure, curiosity, and an urge to rebel are common factors that can lead to underage drinking. And recently, as remote learning and social distancing have become … Read more